A couple of years ago, I shared a kindergarten lesson on creating symmetrical butterflies. It was always such a hit with the kids and each looked stunning!
I decided to take the same process and create a couple of lessons with different bugs. Today, I'm sharing a ladybug collage print:
Now...recently I was attending the art teacherin' conference in Missouri and was chatting with some teachers. They were commiserating on just how hard it is to share with students how to use scissors and glue bottles properly. With that in mind, I decided to extend this lesson from just printing a ladybug but to also using our scissors and glue. AND...I included portions of my book in the video!
Everything that I wanted to teach children about using scissors and glue...IS IN THIS BOOK! Check out the book, take a look at the inside and even watch videos about using this book in your art room right here!
In the ladybug video, I read portions of the book, sharing these illustrations to better help young artists understand how to correctly use their scissors and...
OR...you could just keep it simple and do bug prints!
I keep thinking that a huge display of bug prints would be perfect for "We're Buggin' Out for Spring" or...state testing...or...the end of the school year?! Who knows! Regardless, I hope y'all have fun!
A while back, I created this ceramic box in my clay class at the Clay Lady Campus. I have since adapted the making of the box to include the use of a template to make the whole process much easier. I thought I'd share the process and the template with you in case this a project you might like to do with your middle and/or high school students!
Before diving into clay with your students, you may want to offer them a bit of a crash course in clay. I created this video a couple of years ago...and I have heard from so many art teachers that it is a staple in their clay unit (which makes me so happy to hear!). Not only that...but this clay video buys you time! You'll have time to prep clay, refill those water cups or just take a sip of coffee while it's actually still warm. Cheers!
If you are new to clay and are looking for some supply recommendations, I got you. What I primarily used in my art room were clay mats (purchased from The Clay Lady; I had a set of 20 that I used for the 25 years of my teaching career...BUT you can only use them on the white side, NOT the blue), toothbrushes, cups for water and wooden skewers. For my supply list, visit here!
For the first version of this box, I made a rectangle which is totally doable. But, in the video, I decided to go with a square. The smaller size made it easier to flatten the clay in the method that I used.
To make your life a little easier, I thought I'd create a template for you. You may need to print this on thicker paper or trace it to tagboard so it can withstand the damp clay and multiple uses.
Now, when I created my piece, I added these kiln fire safe 'hangers' to the back. I placed two into my clay piece before firing. They are made to withstand the heat of the kiln and will anchor themselves into the clay when fired. Then, after the firing, I have added wire to the back to hang the piece. However, they could totally be made to sit on a shelf as well!
Here is the piece that I created in the video. I know I mention it in the clip but...it is VERY important that these pieces dry slowly and on foam. For the first few days, I would dry keep these in a plastic grocery bag that is a little open to allow a small amount of air to circulate. Then, I would dry them for a few days on a foam block (or sheet rock, found at the hardware store) with plastic draped on top. Finally, I would remove the plastic and allow to dry on the foam. You'll know it's ready to go in the kiln when...you hold the piece to your cheek and it is not longer cool but room temp. Then you can fire away!
No kiln? No problem! Here's a piece I created with DAS clay, a fabulous air dry clay!
As for painting these, I truly think it's so much easier to dip them into a base color like I did with the brown paint. Glaze is expensive, it involves multiple firings...and it's hard to get into all of the knooks and crannies. So...why not try this method? I did it a lot with the projects in my art room. Especially our clay tacos!
Here's my finished piece! Have SO MANY ideas for this project so stay tuned! For now...I just wanted to share this super fun lesson with you and your artists!
I'm not sure where you are in your school year...but I hope it's going fabulously! I know here, teachers just wrapped up their spring break and are quite possibly starting the countdown to summer. Is it too soon? I say NEVER!
I know some of y'all are like "spring break?! It's still snowing here!" and, yeah. Same. Well, it was 80 over the weekend and then we did get sleet and 30 degree temps here in Tennessee. But...this is just how we do spring in TN; we like to keep everyone dressing for all seasons!
Regardless, I put together a blog post today featuring art lessons based on Vincent van Gogh. Did you know that March is his birthday month?! Yep! And, in honor, I am also doing readings from my book Find Your Way! I'm posting it to my YouTube in case you wish to share it with your students. Have them vote and then be sure and visit daily (or as close to daily as I can get) for the adventure to continue!
In my art room, I would read this book while my 2nd through 4th graders worked and...it worked WONDERS. I always seemed to struggle with my older students after spring break...the sun is out, the summer vibes are approaching and the kids (and me!) are itching for a break. BUT it's the stretch to the end! We are usually doing weaving and clay at that time so I still need 'em to focus and create. Reading while they worked helped with that TREMENDOUSLY. While I was at NAEA a couple of weeks ago, I meant so many art teachers who said they were skeptical at first and now...they can't imagine their class without Find Your Way. Trust me, I think you and your artists will love it.
And now, let's talk lessons! Kicking things off first with my latest discovery: you can fill those bingo daubers with tempera paint for a variety of paint markers! I'll walk you through how as well as where to get your empty bingo daubers here.
For even more sunflowers, check out this lesson! This project was created with Payons...have y'all ever used those? They draw on the paper like a crayon but react like watercolor when water is added. The colors are super vibrant. However, in a pinch, markers could also be used in this same way. For details and product info, visit this lesson!
Find the free downloads here! I keep mine in plastic sleeves, one visual on each side, so that students don't get em too dirty when creating. They LOVE creating the funny faces on the buildings. Can you blame them?!
My second graders had a fun time looking at van Gogh's cherry blossom trees before creating their own. We used huge sheets of tag board for this one...but even construction paper would work. I know...this time of year, it's 'we use what we have left' time! Lesson details here.
Hey there, friends! I'm excited to share a new lesson with ya! I partnered with my friends at Prang to create a project using their new line of watercolor: The Color Wheel Watercolor set!
Prang has been working for a long time to perfect this set and you can try it out now! Especially if you happen to be at NAEA next week...Prang will be hosting a "Build Your Own Palette" Party where you can craft your very own watercolor paint tray to take home.
And I'll be there too!
I'll have my books with me that I'll be signing and selling BUT you don't have to buy a book to drop by! I'd love to see you, snap photos and chat! So be sure and visit if you are attending. I can't wait to see you!
And if you need a lesson while you are at NAEA then this one just might work! If you are up for letting your students use watercolor while you are away. I don't know if I would be that brave UNLESS I knew my sub and my students REALLY knew my expectations. OR...
You could start the painting portion this week before you leave and have the kids create the flowers while you are away. Regardless, here's the video:
Regardless, I hope you have fun! And if you can't make it to NAEA but still want to check out my books...I sign ALL of them before popping them in the mail! You can see them here.
Back to the lesson at hand! In this one, students will use watercolor paint and a wet-on-wet technique to create their jumble of geometric shapes! For my favorite watercolor supplies, you can visit here. Here's the video lesson:
This lesson pairs perfectly with my previous one on organic shapes so they are fun to do together. And they are quick lessons, so no need for a lotta days set aside for this!
Transparency film is totally not necessary BUT...I have found that kids love to draw on the slick surface of a dry erase board. With that in mind, I thought of my stash of transparency film when it came to these projects. If you ask around at school, there is usually a ton under a pile of dust somewhere in the librarian's closet! Or you can pick it up here.
OR students could simply draw directly onto their paintings!
This shape sheet can be found in the back of my book!
OR you could just totally leave 'em like this! I love the look of these with the watercolor dots!
Regardless, I do hope you and your amazing artists have fun!
